WEB LETTER: Which Came First, the Depression or the Gambling?

National Depression and Mental Health Awareness and Screening Month is recognized every October. The event raises awareness about depression, encourage screening for signs and symptoms, and connect individuals with support for mental health challenges – including disordered gambling and substance use. It’s a reminder that help is available, and that recognizing the need for support is a vital first step toward recovery and well-being.

Below are the most-used questions in the screening process for depression. If you answer “yes” for some of these, you may want to speak with your doctor.

• Have you been feeling sad or down lately?
• Have you lost interest in activities you used to enjoy?
• Have you had changes in your appetite or sleep patterns?
• Have you experienced fatigue or low energy levels?
• Have you had thoughts of self-harm or suicide? 

If you think your gambling – or that of a loved one – may be a factor, call or text the 24/7 888-ADMIT-IT Problem Gambling HelpLine in Florida to get connected with live supports and free resource referrals. You can access our free Self-Assessment Quiz for problem gambling here.

Disordered gambling is recognized as a mental health disorder, much like substance abuse. When the two occur together, they can create a powerful and damaging impact on your mental health and overall well-being. Losing control over behaviors that harm you, and feeling unable to stop, can leave a person overwhelmed with helplessness and hopelessness. This loss of control can lead to depression.

Sometimes depression is the driving force behind losing control of certain behaviors, such as gambling or drinking, as a way to escape painful feelings. While these behaviors may provide temporary relief, they often make depression worse over time. In addition, a lack of control over gambling or substance use – and the negative consequences that follow – can also contribute to the onset or worsening of depression.

It’s similar to the classic “chicken or the egg” question – which came first? The depression – or the gambling, drinking, and smoking?

Impacts of Illegal Gambling Establishments in Florida

Have you seen news about illegal gambling arcades in your area? As evidenced in reported 888-ADMIT-IT helpline data, the number of Florida help seekers reporting problems from these venues gives continued rise for concern.

Speaking of mental health impacts, the FCCG found that during the most recent 2024/2025 fiscal year, 80% of help seekers gambling on illegal electronic gambling machines at illegal gambling establishments reported depression, almost three quarters reported anxiety (74%), and more than one-third (39%) had considered suicide due to their gambling!

In contrast to the general population of help seekers, the individual impacts and problems experienced amongst illegal gambling machine help seekers seems to be present in much higher percentages. These gamblers tend to be lower income and with limited assets, living on very limited budgets and unable to afford any gambling-related losses. They also appear to be a population who would not participate in electronic gaming machine gambling if they had to travel a distance to a specific gambling location to do so.

Information gathered from the HelpLine during the period July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025, with contacts received from 24 different Florida Counties, indicates:

• A higher percentage (44%) of illegal slots gamblers are female (compared to 22% female amongst all other types of gamblers);
• Almost one-third (32%) are age 55 or older;
• 38% reported having problems at work or school as a result of their gambling;
• Average lifetime gambling-related losses reported amongst illegal slot gamblers was over one hundred thousand dollars ($126,051);
• 60% reported gambling-related debts this year, with the average amount of money owed to banks/credit cards/non-traditional loans/family members/friends/or others ($21,246) equaling almost half (41%) of their average annual incomes ($52,421);
• 88% had gambled away their savings or retirement funds, 58% could not pay household bills, and 50% had sold or pawned personal assets to obtain money to continue gambling;
• More than one-quarter (27%) reported their housing status as either homeless, or staying with a friend or family member;
• 35% reported experiencing legal consequences, and 17% reported committing illegal acts* due to their gambling problem;
• 80% reported depression and almost ¾ reported anxiety (74%) related to their gambling;
• More than one-third of illegal gambling machine gamblers last year (39%) had considered suicide due to their gambling.
• The Counties generating the most contacts to the HelpLine from illegal gambling machine help seekers during the 2024-2025 fiscal year, were Lee (11%), Miami-Dade (10%), and Sarasota (10%).

*When referencing committing illegal acts to gamble, please note this does not mean crime typically linked to the gambling location, but rather crimes committed by those who become addicted to the machines and commit illegal acts to obtain money to feed their addiction.

Help and Hope are Available: 888-ADMIT-IT

If, after reviewing the screening questions and reflecting honestly on your gambling habits, you recognize signs of a problem, know that you are not alone – and help is available. Gambling addiction can affect anyone, but acknowledging the issue is a powerful first step toward reclaiming control and restoring balance in your life.

There is no shame in seeking support. The 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine is available 24/7 to provide free, confidential assistance to Florida residents impacted by problem gambling. Whether you’re struggling yourself or concerned about someone else, call or text 888-ADMIT-IT to speak with a HelpLine Specialist who can guide you toward resources, treatment options, and hope for recovery.